Fight the Colle System for Black

Colle System Repertoire for Black: The …a6 Approach

A Modern Solution Against 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3

Tired of facing the slow but venomous Colle System? This repertoire offers Black a concrete and flexible antidote based on the early …a6 move.

Why …a6?

The modest pawn move 3…a6 is a multi-purpose weapon that:

• Prevents all Nb5 and Bb5 ideas before White commits their pieces
• Enables quick queenside expansion with …b5 when needed
• Keeps maximum flexibility – Black can choose between various setups depending on White’s plan
• Poses immediate problems for White’s typical slow Colle development

What You Get

This repertoire covers all White’s 4th move options after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 a6:

✓ 4.c4 (Main line) – Reach favorable positions with …c5, …Bb4+, and …b5!
✓ 4.Bd3 – Strike with …c5! and exploit White’s undeveloped queenside
✓ 4.b3 – Active play with …Bg4 or …c5
✓ 4.h3 – Solid setup with …e6, …b6, and the key …Ne4 break
✓ 4.Be2 – Quick development with …Bf5 or central play with …c5
✓ 4.Nbd2 – Standard Classical approach neutralized

Key Strategic Ideas

• Immediate central strikes with …c5 to challenge White’s setup
• Queenside expansion with …b5 (made possible by …a6)
• Pressure on d4 as White’s most vulnerable point
• Active piece play with …Bb4+ checks, …Bg4 pins, and …Ne4 breaks